Aux fuel tank

D

Deluke

New member
I have an 2004 25. I have installed an airhead toilet and removed the macerated as I don’t boat in areas with pump out facilities. I need to replace the cockpit deck. While I have the old deck cut out I’m thinking of replacing the black water tank with either an aux fuel tank or additional potable water tank. Has anyone done this. It’s seems that it would be easier to use the thru Hull for the old toilet and a filter if I’m in freshwater for washing and possibly get a maintenance free😂 water maker instead of carrying jerrycans of fuel. That space needs to be used for something now that the toilet is gone. Do y’all have any opinions?
 
The water tank in the newer (2005-06 on) have the water tank where the sewage tank was. So that should work. You could pick up 25 or so more gallons of fuel. I would go with the water, and it is going to be rare you want the 30 gallons more fuel, over the 100 gallons built in. We have run over 200 miles with plenty of reserve. Good on the new boat.
 
I was considering both those options for our holding tank before we left for our winter in the Sea of Cortez and Baja, as I also installed an AirHead. I ended up putting a water maker in the old water heater space, a Bosch heater under the galley sink and was considering putting a fuel bladder in the holding tank. In the end, without removing the deck to open up the tank I didn't get it done, I think with the deck out it would be good to add another tank but as it is we are down at the stern an more weight would make it only useful for rare long trips
 
Bob, thanks for your input. We’re planning a trip to the Bahamas and the dry tortougas as soon as this Kung Flu is over. Weighing the options without fuel you’re stuck without water you die. I tend to over think and engineer things. My customers like that but it winds up costing me money lol. Also the link to the eBay seat that you fixed for Steve came and I installed. Fantastic. Which was good because when I removed the fridge to get to the nuts i found the rat nest of wires the repower center left for me. I’m an industrial electrical contractor and messy wiring makes my head spin around my shoulders. So I fixed it and sent them a before and after pic.
Micah, thanks for your input. What type water maker did you install?
 
There is a difference in performance when the water tank (and fuel tank) are half full over full (the boats after 2005 had the water tank aft, as does my boat. So either fuel or water would work. If you have the deck off--put in one of each? However when we replaced the cockpit deck, we did not have to remove that aft part on the 2003 boat we owned at the time.

Both fuel and water would be handy on either the Dry Tortugas trip or Bahamas.

Seawater Pro makes a 17 gallon per hour 12 V water maker for $2995.. I have not owned one, but have made several water maker systems, and this looks as if it would work well, but no bells and whistles.It is modular, so you can put the parts where you want, and still not loose much storage space. (Another search found one of the above for $2395--I could not see much difference, but it may. be in the pre filters (which are important). This is a high capacity for 12 volt water makers, so I suspect there is as significant amp draw.
 
Deluke, I installed a Spectra 200T because it is super efeciant when running on our solar system, weighs just 62 pounds and is very compact and easy to install. It worked very well in the Sea of Cortez where water isn't always easily available.

In our photo albums there is one on my install that somewhat documented how it all went into our boat.

Good luck on your adventure, we are also hoping to explore Florida also at some point.
 
Deluke":w9gecuht said:
I’m looking at this one. It’s smaller and has the option for manual operation.
What’s your opinion?

https://www.katadyn.com/us/us/102-80134 ... r-40e-12-v
Click to expand...

A version of this has been around for many many years. $4300 for a unit which puts out 1.5 gallon an hour? They were originally made for survival rafts. Then electrified and improved upon. Costs as much to run in chemicals, membranes etc as a 17 gallon an hour unit. No pre filter, no oil separator, no salinity meter.

They are good for the intended use. But I would not use one as a supplemental unit to make water.
 
My thinking is I would rather fill my tank with water knowing how the system was maintained than a hose some one has shoved down their black water tank (RV experience) or from distant shore water who’s quality is unknown. On my cd25 the gunnels are open and this unit would fit just right in there mounted to a back plate against the hull and a hinged cover for protection.. I think I have decided to go with an aux fuel tank under the deck and install one of these. Thanks y’all!!
 
There is a current blog by a gal who is rowing from California to Hawaii, (just about half way now) and she is using the KATADYN POWERSURVIVOR 40E for her fresh water source. Can't say enough good about it.

https://rowliarow.com

She is about 50 days out and has crossed 1000 miles, a capsize and roll over -- not sure if there is a difference there -- being that far off at sea, you are still gong to get quite wet.

And to get back on target, she has NO Aux tank.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon

IMGP0325.thumb.jpg
 
Deluke, we had a Katadyn power survivor 40E on a previous sailboat. It is very compact and simple and the amp draw is low all reasons I installed it. But we chose not to go with it again on our 25 as it's output is just to slow and the efficiency per gallon and time in use is why we went with the Spectra which is nearly as compact in the pump and the manual valve box can go anywhere. Unfortunately their super efficiant pump system is patented and unique and with the non corroding materials used in comparison to other systems, it is unfortunately more expensive. Dana loves "her" Spectra in comparison. (An ex commercial captain in the Florida Keys, she chooses, I am just the installer)
 
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